The axe falls on 100 Mile House mill: West Fraser Timber to shutter facilities on both sides of the border

CANADA (From news reports) -- The softwood timber tariffs levied by the U.S. have begun to hit the lumber industry hard.

Citing a drooping softwood lumber demand, compounded by higher duties and additional tariffs that have reached 45 per cent for U.S. markets, West Fraser Timber announced Thursday its plans to permanently shutter both its Augusta, Ga., and 100 Mile House lumber mills by the end of 2025.

Approximately 165 employees at the 100 Mile House mill will be laid off, as the company says it can't secure an adequate volume of economically viable timber. The closing of the mill drops West Fraser's capacity by 160 million board feet.

"I'm heartbroken over this decision, and can't imagine the fear and anger that forestry workers and their families in 100 Mile House must be feeling right now," Ravi Parmar, B.C.'s Minister of Forests, said in a statement.

"To the workers affected, I want you to know that we are not going to give up on you. I've spoken directly with West Fraser, and have been assured that they will look after their employees and work to find them opportunities at other operations across the Cariboo.

"Let's be clear, this closure is another consequence of Donald Trump's unfair attack on Canada's forestry sector. His tariffs are hurting workers, families and communities on both sides of the border. These tariffs further exacerbate the challenges and pressures the forestry sector is already facing, such as the end of the mountain pine beetle harvest, recent unprecedented wildfires and climate change.

"This is also a stark reminder to the federal government that they must live up to their commitment to the people in B.C. and ensure our province receives its fair share of forestry support dollars. The people of 100 Mile House, and everywhere in B.C., can't be left behind."

The closure of the Augusta lumber mill is a result of challenging lumber demand, and the loss of economically viable residual outlets, which combined has compromised the mill's long-term viability. Around 130 employees will be laid off there, and further reduce West Fraser's capacity by 140 million board feet.

West Fraser's mills in Huttig, Arkansas and Lake Butler, Fla., which were temporarily shut in 2024, will now see the curtailment made permanent, with the mills being dismantled and the sites sold.

West Fraser has more than 50 facilities in Canada, the U.S., the U.K., and Europe, and produces lumber, engineered wood products, pulp, newsprint, wood chips, and other residuals.

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